REPORTER

THE Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has announced the successful end of matric exams after weeks of intensive writing.

“We can confirm that no major irregularities were reported. Learners, invigilators and school management teams adhered to all examination protocols, contributing to a safe and orderly environment,” said Department of Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka. He said monitoring teams were deployed across districts to assess preparedness of schools and learners.

He thanked school principals, teachers, examination officials and district directors for the professionalism they have shown during the exam period.

The department registered 195 592 candidates for the exams, and of that number, 180 454 candidates were full-time candidates and 15 047 part-time candidates.

The average absentee rate was 2%, most of whom were part-time candidates, the DoE said.

An incident where matric classrooms were burnt at Mpolweni Secondary School was one of the challenges encountered during the exam period.

The department said the marking of exam papers will be carried out in 32 centres, from December 2 to December 12.

The department further said that all markers have been vetted and trained to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Final results are scheduled for release in January next year.